Improvement in amalgamators



J. R. A BBE. Amalgamator.

No. 21!,365. Patented Jan. 14, 1879'.

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N. PErERs. FHOTO-QTHOGRAPHER, WASHINGTON, D. C

UNITED- Snares- PATENT Or'ruon JOHN R. ABBE, OF SOUTH WINDHAM,CONNECTICUT, ASSIGNOR OF ONE- HALF HIS RIGHT TO CHARLES SMITH, OF SAMEPLACE.

IMPROVEMENT IN AMALGAMATORS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 211,365, dated J anuary14, 1879; application filed October 26, 1878.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN B. ABBE, of South Windham, in the county ofWindham and State of Connecticut, have invented an Improvement inAmalgamating Separators for Separating Metals from Ores and I do herebydeclare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description ofthe same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming partof this specification.

My invention has for its object the more complete separation of metalsfrom ores than has hitherto been attained, by a more completeamalgamation of the same. The invention consists in the novelconstruction of an amalgamating-separator, hereinafter described.

Figure 1 in the drawing is a side view of an amalgamatingseparatorconstructed in accordance with my invention, but having one of its sidesremoved to show the interior parts. Fig. 2is a section on the line 00 0cin Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a modification of the invention, showing how theinvention may be carried out in a slightly difierent manner withoutdeparting from the spirit or principle of the invention as'illustratedin Figs. 1 and 2. t

The separator is composed of a copper case, A, amalgamated on the innerside, or it may be made of other material lined on the inside withamalgamated copper plates detachable from the exterior case. In theinterior of the case A are amalgamated copper plates B, which in themethod of carrying out the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 aredetachable or removable shelves, which may be taken out for the purposeof removing the gold or silver amalgam when the said plates have becomecharged with such amalgam. The said case is provided with an inlet, P,for the introduction of comminuted ore mixed with and suspended bywater,-and an outlet, G, for the egress of the same after treatment inthe separator. Said shelves are arranged on suitable supports inrelation with said inlet and outlet, and in such manner that a currentpassing upward through the separator will be directed first along overone side of each plate, and then along over the other side of the same,as indicated by the arrows, in order that both sides of the said platesmay be utilized to the utmost as amalgamating-surtaces.

WVat'er is introduced into the separator through a rose, C, or otherdevice for finely dividing the current and distributing said water toall parts of the separator. In the lower shelf (in this method ofcarrying out the invention) is an opening in which is arranged anagitator for causing a very minute and thorough intermingling of thewater and stone pulp, and for causing every particle of the used withthe separator constructed as de scribed; neither do I confine myself tothe precise construction and arrangement of the amalgamated plates asshown in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, reserving to myself the right toarrange the same in any manner that will permit the passage of thecurrent through the separator first along over one side of each plateand then along over the other side, in order that both sides may beamalgamated and utilized as amalgamating-surfaces for the retention ofthe metallic particles.

One modification of the invention (shown in Fig. 3) is very effective.It consists of concentric annular amalgamated plates B, so placed withrelation to the inlet pipe P and outlet G that the current is obliged toflow first over one side and then over the other side of each of saidplates, as indicated by the arrows. The said figure shows the current asfirst entering the central part of the separator; but it will be evidentthat the apparatus could be so constructed that the direction of thecurrent might be reversed and insure precisely the same utilization ofboth sides of the plates as amalgamating-surfaces. In this modificationagitators may be placed between the i amalgamating-plates to cause amore thorough circulation of the Water and comminuted ore. Saidagitators may be pivoted plates arranged vertically between the plates,and having their shafts or pivots passing out through the upper part ofthe separator, and connected in such manner as to be moved all togetheror independently, if desired.

The action of the separator is as follows: Water bearing the comminutedore or stone pulp flowing from a grinding'mill is caused to flow intothe separator through the pipe P. It then passes first along one side ofeach plate, and then along over the other side until all the plates arepassed, and finally issues from the chute at the top of the case A. The

water and comminuted ore, after passing out I of said chute, may becaused to flow upon blankets or riffling-tables, if desired, for thecollection of the last remnants of the precious metals contained in saidore.

I claiml. The combination, in an amalgamating apparatus, of the closedvessel A, the series of amalgamated plates, the inlet-pipe P at thelower end of the vessel, the outlet Gilt the top thereof, and a rose, 0,at the bottom of the Vessel, for introducing sprays of water,substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

2. In an amalgamatiug apparatus, the combination, with the vessel A,having inlet and outlet P G, and the series of amalgamated plates B, ofthe rose 0, for introducing water, and the agitator D, arranged withinthe vessel, for commingling the water and comminuted ore thoroughlytogether prior to its passage over the amalgamated plates, substantiallydescribed.

JOHN R. ABBE. Witnesses:

H. O. LATHROP, CHAS. S. ABBE.

